How to Create a Believable Fictional Character

This article is mainly geared toward fiction writers who already have characters in mind or created. It is a checklist of ideas to keep in mind that will help you create realistic characters or slightly alter existing ones.

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Step1
When you start brainstorming the traits of your character, you want to look more at how those traits impact your character than the really the traits themselves. Too many times I've seen writers give a detailed list of traits when they begin to describe a character--this can make the character seem flat if you're not careful.

The advice of many writing books of "show, don't tell" is very important in characterization as well as plot. If your character is intelligent, show them doing something intelligent. Don't just have it listed.


Step2
You need to have some background information on your characters that is specifically for you as the writer--it doesn't have to be thing that the reader even knows about directly. This can be information about the characters personality, general reactions when they have a certain emotion, etc. You can keep this stored in notebooks or even in a computer database if you're more technically oriented.


Step3
It's helpful sometimes to mentally put your characters in situations that aren't related to your plot. Playing with ideas may help you create a more solid character, even when the ideas themselves don't make it into your book or short story.


Step4
Do your homework. If your main character is a pilot, you may possibly have readers who are pilots. If little details are off, your drama may suddenly become a comedy to them. You don't have to go overboard, but either do enough research or have a friend who's an authority review it for you.


Step5
Be observant of people in general. This is especially helpful in studying mannerisms, such as people running their hands through their hair if they're frustrated or nervous. Sometimes this is also helpful for coming up with conflict ideas as well. Just don't creep people out by following them around with a notebook in public.

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